How do I go vegan? Get Started in 5 easy steps.

1. Watch documentaries and YouTube Channels to get the Why’s of going vegan.Netflix has many good ones such as: What The Health, Cowspiracy, Forks Over Knives, Food Choices, Rotten, and The Ghosts In Our Machine. I also recommend watching Earthlings, if you are willing to bear witness to something more graphic and ethics-driven.

2. Start by cooking the same dishes you make now, only swap out the animal-derived ingredients for plant-based alternatives. For those coming off a standard American diet, the plant-based meat and dairy alternatives will be key to getting away from animal-derived foods. As you experiment and expand your palate, your cravings will adapt, but these quick swaps will get your foot in the door right away and keep it easy. Note: In the long term, the processed foods will be treated more as a treat or a compliment to a nutrient-dense meal. Be kind to yourself. If you need to eat more processed food in the beginning, it’s ok. This is about long-term success!

3. Bring a “vegan-swap-list” when you go grocery shopping.Get
online and research plant-based brands such as Field Roast, Beyond
Meat, Gardein, Tofurky, LightLife, Silk, Ripple, Hampton Creek, Miyoko’s
Kitchen and Follow Your Heart. These brands will satisfy all your typical meals.
Even your local grocery stores like Publix, Target, Walmart and Whole
Foods will stock many of them.